Impact of visual cues on balance and mobility in Parkinson's patients
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Effects of visual cues on balance and functional mobility in patients with parkinson’s disease
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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Dr. Trupti Siddapur, Dr. Shilpa Khandare and Dr. Tushar Palekar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Effects of visual cues on balance and functional mobility in patients with parkinson’s disease
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20185-11362
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder following Alzheimer's disease. It affects approximately 1% of individuals over the age of 60, with increasing risk as age advances. Characterized by its hallmark symptoms of rigidity, tremors, bradykinesia, and postural instability, PD significantly impacts balance and gait, making movement difficult for patients. A novel approach explored in this study is the use of external visual cues to aid patients in overcoming these mobility challenges. The study aims to investigate the effects of visual cueing on balance and functional mobility in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The Role of Visual Cueing in PD
Visual cueing is an intervention strategy that involves providing sensory information to assist individuals in achieving desired motor functions. Research suggests that PD patients experience difficulties in producing internal cues necessary for movement due to dysfunction in the basal ganglia. This results in characteristic gait disturbances, including reduced speed and shuffling steps. External cues, particularly visual cues such as marked lines on the ground, have been shown to activate neural pathways in the brain that can enhance movement. This study implemented visual cues during gait training sessions to enable patients to improve their stride and overall movement.
Methodology and Intervention Approach
A sample of 15 patients, aged between 40 and 80 years, was selected for the study. Participants underwent a balance and gait training intervention employing external visual cues, conducted three times a week over four weeks. The intervention method involved creating a 15-foot walking area marked with visual cues where patients were instructed to stop and resume walking on cue. Pre-assessments were conducted using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and cadence measurement. Post-assessments were completed at the end of the intervention, and statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to evaluate the effectiveness of the training.
Significant Findings and Improvements
The results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all measured outcomes. The mean TUG and cadence values showed reductions, indicating enhanced mobility, while the BBS scores reflected an increase in balance capabilities. The analysis confirmed that visual cue training was effective, with P-values of 0.001 for TUG, 0.046 for BBS, and 0.026 for cadence measurement, substantiating the hypothesis that visual cueing effectively aids patients in enhancing their functional mobility and balance.
Conclusion
The study concludes that external visual cueing is a beneficial intervention for improving gait, balance, and overall functional mobility in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The significant pre-and post-assessment score improvements affirm the efficacy of visual cues in compensating for internal cueing deficits typical in PD. This finding supports ongoing research into sensory cueing techniques as practical therapeutic strategies for managing the mobility challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson's disease.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study related to Parkinson's disease?
The study investigates the effects of visual cues on balance and functional mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease, aiming to improve their overall motor function.
How many patients participated in the study and what was their age range?
Fifteen patients aged between 40 to 80 years participated in the study and were selected through convenient sampling.
What methods were used to measure the effectiveness of visual cueing?
Effectiveness was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and cadence measurements before and after the intervention.
What were the main outcome results of the study?
The results showed significant improvement in TUG (p=0.001), BBS (p=0.046), and cadence (p=0.026), indicating the effectiveness of visual cueing.
What hypothesis did the study aim to confirm?
The study aimed to confirm that external cueing using visual cues is effective in improving balance and functional mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease.
What training frequency was employed during the study?
The participants underwent balance and gait training using visual cues three times a week for four weeks, demonstrating overall improvement in their mobility.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Impact of visual cues on balance and mobility in Parkinson's patients”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Post:
The term 'Post' refers to the period following an intervention or treatment. In the context of this study, it signifies the assessment conducted after the visual cue training, which evaluates the effectiveness of the intervention on the participants' balance and functional mobility. It highlights the comparison between pre-training and post-training outcomes.
2) Training:
'Training' refers to the structured program of activities designed to improve specific skills or physical functions. In this study, the training involved the use of visual cues to enhance balance and gait in patients with Parkinson's disease, demonstrating the importance of targeted interventions in rehabilitation.
3) Disease:
'Disease' denotes a pathological condition that affects the normal functioning of an organism. This study focuses on Parkinson's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, underscoring the need for effective treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
4) Study (Studying):
'Study' refers to the systematic investigation conducted to answer specific research questions. In this context, it pertains to the research exploring the effects of visual cueing on balance and mobility in Parkinson's disease patients, contributing to the broader understanding of effective rehabilitation techniques.
5) Siddapur:
'Siddapur' is the surname of the leading author, Dr. Trupti Siddapur, who contributed significantly to the research presented in this study. The acknowledging of the author's name emphasizes individual contributions to scientific research and their role in advancing knowledge in the field of physiotherapy.
6) Patil:
'Patil' refers to the institution, Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, where the research was conducted. This highlights the role of academic institutions in fostering research, education, and advancements in healthcare practices, particularly in physiotherapy and rehabilitation for neurological disorders.
7) Measurement:
'Measurement' signifies the quantitative assessment of variables related to balance, mobility, and functional performance in the study. This concept is crucial as it provides objective data to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions, facilitating evidence-based conclusions about the impact of visual cueing.
8) Table:
'Table' pertains to the structured format used to present data clearly in the study. Tables summarize pre and post-training scores, allowing for easier interpretation and analysis of results, which is vital for conveying study findings to the reader effectively.
9) Line:
'Line' refers to the visual cues presented on the ground, often marked as transverse lines. These cues serve as guides for patients with Parkinson's disease, helping them improve their walking patterns and enhance their balance, illustrating the practical application of external cues in rehabilitation.
10) India:
'India' indicates the geographical context where the research was conducted, specifically in Pune. This localization emphasizes the importance of region-specific studies in understanding and addressing health issues like Parkinson's disease within diverse populations and healthcare systems.
11) Pune:
'Pune' is the city in India where Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy is located. Mentioning the city highlights the significance of local institutions in conducting relevant healthcare research and the role of educational establishments in addressing community health challenges.
12) Relative:
'Relative' refers to family members or close acquaintances of the participants who assisted during the study. Their involvement emphasizes the importance of social support systems in rehabilitation, illustrating how familial engagement can facilitate patient participation and motivation during therapeutic interventions.
13) Hand:
'Hand' represents the action of a therapist or family member signaling the patient to stop or start walking during the training sessions. This physical gesture serves as an essential part of the visual cueing methodology, reinforcing the role of external cues in guiding motor functions.
14) Surrounding:
'Surrounding' relates to the environment in which the study and training occurred. The study acknowledges the influence of contextual factors on patient performance, emphasizing how external conditions can affect balance and mobility, and thus, the necessity of controlled training settings.
15) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of the research paper where findings are interpreted, implications are considered, and comparisons to other studies are made. This section is critical for contextualizing results within the broader field, facilitating an understanding of visual cueing effectiveness in rehabilitation.
16) Activity:
'Activity' encompasses the various functional movements and tasks assessed in the study, such as walking and balance maintenance. Referring to physical actions helps to frame the study within the context of improving everyday mobility, which is essential for the quality of life in patients.
17) Silver:
'Silver' denotes the level of evidence associated with the research findings. In this context, it suggests that the study contributes valuable data that consistently reflects effective practice, advocating for the importance of high-quality evidence-based interventions in clinical settings.
18) Tanvi (Tanvin):
'Tanvi' refers to a contributing individual in the literature cited within the study. The inclusion of other researchers’ names underscores the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry and the ongoing dialogue within the medical community regarding effective treatments for Parkinson's disease.
19) Wall:
'Wall' signifies the physical boundary used in the training area during assessments. Its reference emphasizes how spatial design is crucial for interventions, as creating a suitable and safe environment can significantly affect the outcomes of rehabilitation for balance and mobility.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Impact of visual cues on balance and mobility in Parkinson's patients’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Statistical Significance, Parkinson's disease, Demographic characteristics, Cardinal feature, Functional mobility.